5/11/2013

North Carolina state House votes to allow permitted concealed handguns at college campuses and places that serve alcohol

By an overwhelming two-to-one vote of 76-38, the North Carolina state House passed a bill allowing permitted concealed handguns on college campuses. As with other states, private universities will be allowed to post signs that ban permitted concealed handguns. Disappointingly, it would also not allow concealed handguns in classes, which means it would ban guns to and from student's cars. With 44 Democrats in the state House, not even all the Democrats voted against the bill. From WRAL television:

However, the proposal faced stiff opposition from University of North Carolina system officials.

Sponsor Rep. Justin Burr, R-Stanly, said recent reports of campus crime illustrate why students and faculty with concealed carry permits should be allowed to have firearms locked in their cars on campus.

"This doesn’t allow them to carry in the classroom," Burr said. "Please tell me why in the world we would want to prevent law-abiding citizens from protecting themselves."

Private universities and schools could opt not to permit weapons on campus, but public schools and universities would have to comply.

Local officials also would no longer be allowed to outlaw guns on greenways, biking and walking paths. . . .

By the way, a Democrat amendment to impose background checks on purchases at gun shows was soundly defeated.